If you sell cloud hosting, software or support, G-Cloud is one of the most important routes to the UK public sector — and one of the simplest to understand once you know how it works.
At a glance
- G-Cloud is a government framework and online catalogue for buying cloud hosting, cloud software and cloud support from pre-vetted suppliers.
- Suppliers list services on the Digital Marketplace; buyers search and call off without running a full tender.
- The current version is G-Cloud 14 (agreement RM1557.14), running 29 October 2024 to 28 October 2026.
- It has three lots: Cloud Hosting, Cloud Software and Cloud Support.
- It is run by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) — the body that was Crown Commercial Service (CCS) until 1 April 2026.
What is G-Cloud?
G-Cloud is the UK government's framework and catalogue for buying cloud-based technology. Suppliers are assessed and admitted to the framework, then list their services on the Digital Marketplace, where public sector buyers can find and buy them.
The big advantage for buyers is speed: because suppliers have already been vetted and standard terms agreed, a buyer can call off a service without going through a full, lengthy procurement. They define their need, search and shortlist services against consistent criteria, then make a direct award to the best-fit service using the framework's core terms.
The three lots
G-Cloud 14 is organised into three lots:
- Lot 1 — Cloud Hosting: infrastructure and platform services (e.g. hosting, storage, compute).
- Lot 2 — Cloud Software: applications accessed over the internet (e.g. SaaS).
- Lot 3 — Cloud Support: services to help set up, migrate to, or run cloud solutions.
When you apply, you list each service under the relevant lot.
Which version is live?
The current iteration is G-Cloud 14 (RM1557.14), which started on 29 October 2024 and runs to 28 October 2026. The frameworks refresh periodically — G-Cloud 14 will be replaced by G-Cloud 15 in due course. Because a new iteration means a fresh chance to get on, it's worth watching for the next application window.
Who runs it: CCS, now GCA
G-Cloud is managed by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA). If you've worked with public procurement before, you'll know it as Crown Commercial Service (CCS) — CCS became the Government Commercial Agency on 1 April 2026. (Our guide to Crown Commercial Service & CCS frameworks covers the wider set of agreements.)
How to get on G-Cloud
- Wait for an application window. You can only apply when a new iteration of the framework opens for applications.
- Prepare your service definitions and pricing. Each service needs a clear description, a service definition document and transparent pricing.
- Apply and, if successful, publish your services on the Digital Marketplace.
- Keep your listings sharp. Buyers shortlist on what they can search and read — clear, specific, well-priced listings win.
G-Cloud is a catalogue buy rather than an advertised tender, so opportunities are not "won" in the usual sense — buyers browse and shortlist, and there is nothing public to respond to. That makes it a poor sole strategy: being on G-Cloud is not a pipeline. Treat it as one route among several, and keep watching the official portals for the digital and technology contracts that are advertised properly.
Frequently asked questions
What is G-Cloud?
A UK government framework and online catalogue (the Digital Marketplace) for buying cloud hosting, software and support from pre-vetted suppliers, without a full tender each time.
What are the G-Cloud lots?
Three: Lot 1 Cloud Hosting, Lot 2 Cloud Software, and Lot 3 Cloud Support.
Which version of G-Cloud is current?
G-Cloud 14 (RM1557.14), running from 29 October 2024 to 28 October 2026, with G-Cloud 15 to follow.
Who runs G-Cloud?
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) — formerly Crown Commercial Service (CCS), which changed name on 1 April 2026.
Sources
- Government Commercial Agency — RM1557.14 G-Cloud 14
- Government Commercial Agency — RM1557.15 G-Cloud 15